Unlikely Celtics just gave fans a message that cannot be ignored

Between the winter weather and the NBA All-Star break being in sight, this time of year is a doldrums of sorts in the Association. Teams could use a spark. That made Amari Williams's opportunity with the Boston Celtics ideally timed.

What prompted the rookie's chance with the parent club was the hit the team took to its most vulnerable position. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have been on recent injury reports with non-COVID illnesses. The former missed Boston's 117-106 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The latter did not play in their 102-94 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

What Williams showcased with his opportunity was encouraging for a rookie, selected 46th overall, on a two-way deal. Naturally, there are growing pains. However, to the Celtics' credit, they have allowed him to play through his mistakes while helping him learn on the fly.

That is helping a rookie with a high basketball IQ avoid becoming an error repeater.

"The ability to retain the information and the tactics and the things that we were asking him to execute, whether it was in the G League, or whether it was in practice, in the 'Stay-Ready Games," said Joe Mazzulla before Williams got the start against the Atlanta Hawks. "Chipping away at the reps that we need him to be able to execute."

Inside Amari Williams's whirlwind week

While with the organization's G League affiliate, the former Kentucky Wildcat got the call to join the Celtics in Brooklyn and caught a commercial flight to meet up with them.

Not only did he play that night, but his contributions included a swift pass to Payton Pritchard for a three-pointer that, along with Hugo Gonzalez's three on the following possession, helped erase a five-point deficit in under five seconds. From there, Boston completed its rally in double overtime.

From there, Williams has continued to utilize his opportunities with the parent club, including starting in two tilts, to showcase his combination of size, athleticism, and mobility.

He is improving as a screener, has five blocks in his last four games, evidence of his capabilities as a rim protector, and he's a lob threat at the other end. Not to mention what he can provide as a facilitator.

"We've gotta use Amari more for his passing ability," voiced Pritchard, impressed by Williams's abilities in that area, after Boston's 102-94 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

While the misses at the rim have been a frustrating bugaboo that were on his scouting report coming out of college, overall, his play has deservedly earned positive reviews.

"I thought Amari did a great job today," said Jaylen Brown after that victory vs. the Trail Blazers. Looked exceptional. He came out, he protected the rim, [and] he was where he was supposed to be for the most part. So, Amari made it easy for us."

As for what this recent run with the parent club has been like for the Nottingham, England, native:

"It's been a long week; just kind of being in unexpected situations, but it's been fun," conveyed Williams after shootaround before Friday's matchup against the Sacramento Kings.

It's a thrill shared from afar by his friends, family, and former coaches.

"For them to see that happen, I feel like they've been proud and happy that's something I've achieved," shared Williams about those who helped him reach this point, getting to celebrate in his success.

Another crucial component of what he is demonstrating during this extended stretch with Boston is the synergy between the organization's G League affiliation and the parent club.

"I feel like the coaching staff over in Maine have helped me a lot with screening and rebounding, and that's the main two things that you've got to help with this team," said Williams.

Screening, in particular, is an area the coaching staffs in Boston and Maine have emphasized and drilled with him repeatedly. His growth and impact in that area are a testament to his work ethic, potential, and ability to learn quickly.

It's a small sample size, and growth isn't always linear. However, between Williams's tools and the Celtics' elite infrastructure, what he is showcasing sparks optimism about his ability to grow into a long-term contributor. He can help stabilize a position with an unclear outlook for the future.